Monday, July 21, 2008 Finding the Oriental beauty By Id Acaylar
AFTER a six-year hiatus, the search for Miss Davao Oriental was once again undertaken to climax the recent 41st Founding Anniversary celebration of the province.
It had the active and generous support of all local government units and big companies in Davao Oriental.
Crowned Miss Davao Oriental 2008 was the 18-year-old representative of Lupon, Maria Ellen Recla, a dean's list nursing student of Davao Oriental's state college.
She was also declared Miss Congeniality and Best in Indigenous Attire. First runner-up was Clarice Anne Escala, the reigning Miss Cateel and Miss Mindanao Tourism and Mutya ng Davao 2007. She was Miss Photogenic and Best in Physical Beauty.
Second runner-up was Sheradee Uy, an education graduate representing Tarragona.
Third runner-up was the representative of Boston, Rhea Dulce Yap. She is a registered nurse who once worked in a mental hospital in Saudi Arabia. Fourth runner-up was the newly crowned Miss Mati City, Shehann Jullivill Tan, a communication arts student.
The competition was staged in two phases: talent presentation and finals. Both programs featured local community talents.
The municipal government employees of Governor Generoso, who organized themselves into a cultural performing group, gave a preview of the historical dance drama they will present during their town's Almaciga Festival in the last week of July.
During the coronation pageant, the Pagdungawan Theatre Ensemble staged a folk tale on Mandaya's dagmay while the Banaybanay Muslim Women Association supported by the Madayaw Cultural Ensemble showed the poignant Kalagan artistic culture.
The fishing community of Tibanban, Governor Generoso exhibited the Spanish influence in Davao Oriental through a Hispanic dance Mantones de Seda.
The two-night presentations laden with beauties, culture, and entertainment enthralled the massive crowd of Dabawenyos and guests who overfilled the Capitol covered court.
Also overjoyed and proud, the province has again chosen its fairest.
